Send me email updates about messages I've received on the site and the latest news from The CafeMom Team.
By signing up, you certify that you are female and accept the Terms of Service and have read the
Privacy Policy.

Smarter Mom: Black Friday Strategy

With all the cooking, cleaning, and getting ready for Thanksgiving you have to do this week, it's hard to think about what comes next...Black Friday!With some of the best deals of the season, you don't want to miss a thing. You need a plan, so I asked some diehard Black Friday shoppers what they do to get more out of the most popular shopping day of the year. Here's what they say:

Make a list, check it twice. If you start shopping without a list, written down, of what you need to get, you'll wind up getting a lot of things you don't really need. Don't be too-general, "toys for the kids" doesn't help you when you're in the store. Be specific.

Read the fine print. That $200 HD TV is an amazing deal, but don't wait till Friday night to pick one up. Sometimes the best deals are only offered at a specific time, and that time is usually very early in the a.m.

Do your research. Check the circulars and store Web sites to see what's on sale. This will help you see what you want to buy, before you get in the store, and help keep you focused.

Fun money. Set aside some money for yourself, and use it to buy anything you want. When that money is gone, you can only buy things on your list.

Map out where you want to go and when.Stores will be crowded, roads will be crowded; plan your route and stick with it. When you're done, call it a day, head home with all your goodies, put your feet up and enjoy some well-deserved leftovers.

Send me email updates about messages I've received on the site and the latest news from The CafeMom Team.
By signing up, you certify that you are female and accept the Terms of Service and have read the
Privacy Policy.